Welcome to the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Podcast! Have you ever thought, “Caregiving can’t really be that hard, right?”  

In this episode we’re talking with Kandis Draw, a daughter, sister, caregiver and so much more.  

The sisters talk with Kandis about how she was thrown into the caregiving world at 30 years old after her mother's stage 4 cancer diagnosis. On the same day, she became a parent to her 8 and 12-year-old siblings. Kandis shares a young life interrupted by caregiving, how the journey created a mission, and how some words of healing can go unspoken. 

Spoiler Alert: What was truly unexpected was how difficult rejoining the workplace would be after eight years of caregiving for her mother and siblings. 

Listen in on how Kandis turned those feelings of rejection and loss into action, becoming a successful advocate on the local, state and federal level.  No one can miss Kandis’ steadfast passion and commitment to help others and we’re all better for it.     

Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving is a journey you won’t understand until you’re in it.  
• Find the gratitude in the journey
• Identify a group of supportive friends
• Alone time is invaluable.  Give yourself permission to have it! 

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Learn More About Kandis Draw 

Kandis Draw lives in Chicago, IL and works as a Community Education Associate for the HAP Foundation, with a concentration in Chatham & Englewood, where she provides Community Education surrounding end of life issues. Most recently, she was appointed to the Illinois Commission for Gynecological Cancers. She is also a contributor for Caregiving.com, which honors family caregivers and former caregivers as beacons of hope.  Kandis was recently awarded the 2022 CHW Section Leader award from the American Public Health Association. She has also been featured across several podcasts, including Bump in the Road, Black Cancer, We Have Cancer, My Cancer Story Podcast, and most recently WillGather Podcast. 

Connect with Kandis Draw

Linked In:  linkedin.com/in/kandis-draw

Other Helpful ResourcesLinks:

https://cancerwellness.com/essays/caregivers-supporter-ovarian-cancer-kandis-draw/

https://twistoutcancer.org/art/kandis-draw-andrea-picard/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlXfac-oao

www.ignitehopecandles.org/kandisdraw/

Advocacy  Work:  

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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